A small victory for big freedom: Court shows the way
A government institution has no feelings to hurt, and the Constitutional Court just reminded power that its reputation is protected by performance, not prison.
In a significant move, the Constitutional Court of Indonesia has struck down two articles of the new Penal Code, ruling that their provisions on insulting the government are unconstitutional and have no legal standing. This landmark decision, issued on August 28, 2025, in ruling No. 282/2025, marks a rare instance of an Indonesian institution standing up for free speech and democratic values in a political climate that has, for years, been dominated by those pushing against such principles.
The court's actions come as a welcome reminder that, in the face of opposition from both the executive and legislative branches, there are still institutions dedicated to upholding the rule of law and respect for international human rights standards. By declaring the articles unconstitutional, the Court has acknowledged that freedom of expression, as enshrined in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, cannot be curtailed simply because it may be offensive or critical of the government.
This ruling sets a precedent that can only serve to bolster the country's commitment to human rights and democratic principles. The Court's decision underscores the importance of institutions that prioritize performance – in this case, the protection of rights and freedoms – over punitive measures. As the Court demonstrates that it is capable of leading the nation towards greater compliance with international law, we must acknowledge and appreciate its role in fostering a more open and tolerant society.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
